Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
April 20, 2017 4:12 p.m.
Fernandina Beach Police Department Administrative Coordinator Suzanne Bass recently retired after 30 years of service with the city. She began work in March 1987 as a clerk-typist and received subsequent promotions to the positions of Executive Secretary, Administrative Specialist and finally as Administrative Coordinator.
Mayor Robin Lentz recognized Bass via official city proclamation delivered at the April 18, 2017 Fernandina Beach City Commission Meeting. The proclamation cited Bass for her professionalism, integrity and “legendary compassion.”
The proclamation called Bass “The Keeper of All Knowledge and Oracle to the Chief.” She was twice recognized as the Police Department’s Civilian Employee of the Year. For more than thirty years Ms. Bass maintained sensitive hiring documents, mandatory training records, personnel files, budget records, audits and reviews, state and federal reports, payroll and benefit documents, official correspondence, subpoena calendars, health care and much more.
In accepting the proclamation Bass said, “I just wanted to thank the city for letting me have the wonderful opportunity of working for the city for 30 years. My husband retired [from the city], my sister retired, and my brother-in-law retired, and now I am retiring. We figured the other day that there is probably about 120 years of city service from our family. I love the Fernandina Beach Police Department, and I love the employees. It’s been a pleasure, but it is time to leave. Thank you very much.”
Following a round of applause, Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jim Hurley stepped to the podium. “We’ve had retirement luncheons and some get-togethers with Suzanne over the past few weeks,” Hurley said, “and it’s been kind of sad to see her go. She’s been perhaps the most loyal, hardest working employee that I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She cares so much for our agency and the city. She’s just a remarkable person, and we appreciate her so much. Tough shoes to fill for her replacement. We are very thankful for her service.”
Following the chief’s remarks, Bass received another round of applause from the audience.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.